R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72.9-2: Fundamental purpose.

This chapter is enacted to protect and promote the right of each child who is a resident or patient in a covered facility to be free from physical or mental abuse, corporal punishment, involuntary seclusion, and any physical or chemical restraints (as defined in this chapter) imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience. Every child who obtains services from a covered facility has a right to be free from both physical and chemical restraints that are not medically necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation by service providers.